Waterproof women's road cycling jacket ... does it exist?!?

I seem to be seeking the impossible, a women specific (not unisex - I'm only 5' and have "curves"!), which is waterproof (not showerproof), very lightweight and breathable (suitable for fast road cycling not commuting), and in a bright colour.

Have found several men's one's, but nothing for women. Any suggestions? Happy to pay for a high quality technical jacket, but many female options seem to be for commuting, mountain biking, or not that high intensity road riding.

There is a myth out there that there are water proof jackets out there that won't get sweaty inside even if you sweat a lot.

If you are a sweater (as I am) then there simply isn't a material out there that will cope with it. If so, you might be better getting something water resistant but very breathable and wear enough layers underneath to keep warm if damp.

Obviously I can't claim any specific experience of women's jackets, but some very particular people I know swear by Gore stuff... they do seem to have a good women's range that looks like it could tick most of your boxes.

Not sure how it's cut and, unfortunately it's white, but might be worth a look as it sounds like it hits the spec in theory and if you fit XS it's massively reduced at CRC - you could always send it back. Shame it's white, the similar men's jacket comes in red.

The best cycling jacket for wet weather is the Castelli Gabba jacket. That comes from 25 years of riding experience. If pro cyclists are using it when not sponsored, it suggests that it's a good bit of kit, and if I like it what other recommendation would you need?

Castelli, rapha, Altura (not so lightweight) and Mavic all make good women's waterproof, lightweight road cycling jackets that fit a normal shaped woman. At least herself has jackets from of the above manufacturers for the different tasks of commuting, grim days from the off, changeable days and I really hope it doesn't rain (but just in case).

The best cycling jacket for wet weather is the Castelli Gabba jacket. That comes from 25 years of riding experience. If pro cyclists are using it when not sponsored, it suggests that it's a good bit of kit, and if I like it what other recommendation would you need?

Many thanks for all the suggestions folks - plenty to start looking at.

I've had a few issues with Mavic and Castelli jersey sizing as I've found them a bit long in the arms / body and too tight over the (ahem!) chest. Will try again, but any indications as to fit?

I think you'll have to try them on, especially if you've got big ...er... sizing issues. The whole idea of the Gabba jackets is that they fit closely and don't flap about. When I was racing, I used an Assos waterproof with the sleeves cut down to just above the elbow as my last resort; the Gabba replaces that.

I think the search for the perfect waterproof is still in progress; I've used just about everything from pertex through boil-in-the-bag as well as Pac-lite and the lighter Castelli Helium things. The Gabba is the best so far, but still doesn't deliver the perfect dry inside wet outside when you're at full speed.